Sexual assault arrest at Shaker Heights High School

3 years ago

A 16-year-old male student is under arrest for the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old female student. He’s in custody and she was taken to the hospital and later released.

Shaker Heights Police were called to the school around noon on Tuesday for a report of sexual assault. The incident is under investigation.

It will be up to a juvenile prosecutor to decide if charges will be filed against the suspect.

The school is doing it’s own investigation and Principal Michael Griffith e-mailed parents and posted a message:

Dear SHHS Families,

There was an incident at the high school yesterday that involves an allegation of assault. As soon as a student told an adult, we called the police in to investigate. One student was arrested in connection with the incident and is in custody. The victim was transported to a local hospital, treated, and released.

This appears to be an isolated incident. There is no reason to believe there is a threat to the safety of students and staff at this time.

We do not yet have all the facts. Both the high school administration and the Shaker Heights police are conducting a thorough investigation. We are cooperating fully with the police. It is very important that we protect the integrity of the police investigation, the privacy of the victim, and the rights of all concerned. For these reasons, we are not able to provide any more at this time. We ask students, staff, and community members to refrain from speculation and gossip that can only impede the investigation and take our focus away from teaching and learning.

I want to commend and thank the students who came forward promptly with information leading to the arrest. They did the right thing. I also want to commend the staff members who took swift and appropriate action, and our police department, which is always responsive, professional, and sensitive to the needs of young people.

Please know that we work hard as a staff, and in cooperation with the police, to keep our students safe. Students and adults who have knowledge of any criminal activity or dangerous situation are asked to tell a staff member immediately. Vigilance and communication are our best protection.